ROBBIE BLAKE claims Leeds' relegation showdown with Southend has become "one of the biggest games in the club's history".

Leeds go to Roots Hall today still rooted to the foot of the Championship and Blake admits they must win to keep their survival hopes alive.

The Elland Road club have never been outside of the top two tiers in their 88-year history and Blake knows how high the stakes are.

Dennis Wise and his side targeted seven points from their clashes with Luton, Leicester and Southend this week and they must beat the Shrimpers to achieve that goal. "It's massive and it's one of the biggest games in the club's history," said the striker.

"At the start of this week, we would have settled for seven points from three games. Now to achieve that, we have to win down there. Three points are a must."

Blake feels playing at Southend could prove to be a lucky omen and he remembers drawing there with Bradford 10 years ago on his full City debut, helping to keep Chris Kamara's side up and relegate the Shrimpers.

Blake scored in Tuesday's draw at Leicester and refuses to give up hope that Leeds can stay up, even though Wise's side have not managed back-to-back wins all season.

"It was my full debut under Chris Kamara for Bradford," he said. "I didn't score, but I played OK and we ended up staying up. It would be nice if that could happen again.

"We just need to keep our belief. Hull have shown what two wins can do because they are nearly clear of it now.

"I'm still confident we can get out of trouble because there are 24 points to play for.

"We've never been on a run this season and what a great time it would be to start now! It would be perfect timing."

Wise has taken Leeds downwards since marking his first game in charge with a 2-0 home win over Southend in October. The Elland Road side were hovering just above the drop zone when he took over.

He has had to contend with dressing room rifts and he has exiled Kevin Nicholls to the reserves for asking to leave.

Despite all these problems, he remains optimistic and refuses to see today's match as do or die. "After Southend, there would still be 21 points to play for, which is a hell of a lot," said the Leeds boss. "There will be a lot of ups and downs over the coming weeks.

"There are a few games we are looking at that we have a fantastic chance of winning. It's far from over if we do not get a result against Southend. There are too many points to play for.

"This is Leeds United and everyone expects. Six years ago, Leeds were in the Champions League.

"Unfortunately those expectations haven't been fulfilled for a few years, but we are trying to change that."